General Dental Council (GDC) Representation

Protecting Professionals

Practice made perfect

We provide representation to professionals facing disciplinary proceedings before the General Dental Council (GDC). If you are under investigation by the GDC or facing allegations, it is highly advisable you speak to a specialist solicitor to ensure you secure the best possible outcome.

If you find yourself subject to a complaint or investigation, speak to our professional regulatory solicitors to see how we can help you get your professional career back on track. Going through such an investigation can be a stressful time for you and your loved ones, which is why we are there to ensure you are given the best representation and advice every step of the way. We advise clients at each stage in the process – we can guide you on how to put across your views at investigatory interviews, evidence gathering and every step of the way during the hearing process itself. As professionals ourselves, we understand the importance of continuing in your profession, therefore we do all we can to ensure you can continue practising until a decision has been made on the alleged conduct.

Whether the complaint relates to professional performance, a scope of practice issue, or misconduct, we can help. If you are facing disciplinary action following a criminal conviction, you will require the representation of a highly-experienced solicitor in the field who can help you to build a robust defence and work tirelessly to fight your corner.

Fitness to Practise Complaints

A fitness to practise complaint may arise where the dental practitioner in question has failed to meet the standards of competence and conduct required to practice their work safely and appropriately. The circumstances may have involved misconduct of some description (whether in practising standards or conduct within or out with the workplace); a lack of competence in your professional ability; impaired abilities caused by ill health; a conviction or caution for a criminal offence; or where you have been placed on a barred list which prevents you from working with children or vulnerable adults.

When deciding whether or not a professional’s fitness to practise is impaired, the GDC must first consider evidence to conclude whether the conduct complained of amounts to misconduct or a lack of competence. They will then decide if the conduct complained of will deem you unfit to practice. A decision will be made on this by the GDC, which will examine the conduct. It will decide on whether the conduct would amount to a risk of harm to patients; whether the impaired fitness can be remedied by undertaking training; and if it is likely there will be a reoccurrence of the conduct. The council will also consider if the profession has been brought into disrepute as a result of the conduct complained of. After all these considerations, the GDC will decide on the most appropriate action to take.

General Dental Council Hearings

The council hearing will begin with an enquiry into the facts. Where these facts have been admitted in advance of the hearing, no witnesses will be called. Otherwise, the GDC will call witnesses to support the allegations made, who will be questioned by both solicitors. These witnesses may be patients or colleagues you work beside. Often expert witnesses are also instructed to provide an opinion. Following the hearing of evidence, the committee must then investigate whether the facts found amount to the type of conduct that would require disciplinary action, and on an appropriate sanction or remedy.

Contact our General Dental Council Defence Lawyers Glasgow, Scotland

At the Glasgow Law Practice, our specialist Professional & Regulatory solicitors are well versed in advising on and representing clients’ interests at hearings and appeals. We serve clients in and around Glasgow including Paisley, Govan, Partick, Bishopbriggs, Moodiesburn, East Kilbride, Hamilton, Bellshill and Coatbridge. We will work with you leading up to and during the hearing, ensuring that you are fully advised on any decision to be made. Contact us today. Pop into one of our offices in Baillieston, Cambuslang, Muirhead, and Glasgow City Centre for free initial advice, or you can get in touch on 0141 465 5485 . You can also complete our online enquiry form, and one of our team will get back to you shortly.

Call us on 0141 465 5485

Find out where you stand. Click the button to book a free case evaluation today from Glasgow’s trusted solicitors. Appointments can be by telephone, videocall or in-person appointment with a solicitor.